The Running Thread - 2021

[huskies90]

March miles = 141

We spent the end of February and most of March housesitting for a relative in South Florida. Still working remotely anyway, so we figured we might as well be where it is sunny/warm everyday. It was great, but running was very hot as I ran at my normal midday or after work time slot. Otherwise, it was a typical running month for me. Looking to start preparing for a few live races I am planning to run later this Spring.

January = 145
February = 111

2021 total miles = 397

 

[Novatrix]

March Running Totals
Miles - 108
Time - 16:4:52
Avg HR - 156 bpm
Avg Pace - 8:56

Training was going really well this month for my April half marathon... right up until I had a mountain biking accident on Sunday that left my right thigh and left knee extremely bruised and weak. Since then, no running, but have been substituting walking (or more accurately hobbling) in an attempt to restore flexibility and it has helped.

I don't know that much about injury recovery, but I imagine trying to return to running too soon will take me longer to recover from than it would to rebuild my fitness from time off. At this point, my plan is to not run for a week, then try doing some short easy pace runs for the next week and see where I'm at. Unfortunately, I've given up hope of PRing in April now but am hoping I can still do the race. Has anyone else had similar injuries? Any advice?

 

[shellott-hill]

March Totals:
Activities 23
Total Distance 132.00 mi
Total Activity Time 22:04:25 h:m:s
Average Speed 6.0 mph
Average Heart Rate 138 bpm
Average Run Cadence 166 spm

Was a rough month of cold weather and snow. I can't wait for the warm weather!

 

[dis_or_dat]

March totals:
Miles: 135
Avg pace: 8:41

Had to take over a week off after being surgerized, as the professionals say.

Not to wade too far into the virtual pool, but having run it over the summer I can say it really sucked. But also, I was running in smoke due to wildfires (AQI: 178; two runners on the trail had full on respirators) and had to take my most intense training week off due to urgent surgery so came in poorly trained which caused multiple injuries and a constant headache during the run so I was basically limping at the end. Then I drove home and had breakfast with the kiddos, so no fanfare but had a raging migraine the rest of the day.

I haven't been paying attention to the virtual news until now, but I guess it's a bittersweet consolation prize that if you qualified last year but your time doesn't qualify for this year you can still run the virtual even if it's full. Obviously it's awful because the time had qualified previously. I agree BAA needs to raise money and I'm sure they had been planning on this year to be a big one for them before COVID. I wonder if this will be a regular thing going forward. Not sure how those who ran qualifying times after years of trying will feel if there's also a virtual component - will the allure be diluted? At least the medal is different? Clearly I'm wrestling with my emotions as I trained very hard for my time and know others did too.

 

[DopeyBadger]

March 2021 Training Summary

Running duration = 15:27 hours
Running mileage = 113.3 miles
Average Pace = 8:11 min/mile (about 60 sec/mile slower than estimated Marathon Tempo)
Average HR = 136 (12 bpm lower than Marathon Pace)
Indoor Cycling duration = 21:00 hours
Indoor Cycling mileage = 361 miles
Indoor Cycling average power = 158 watts (63% FTP)
Indoor Cycling average Normalized Power = 171 watts (68% FTP)
Strength = 3:38 hours
Total Training Time = 40:04 hours

March was another good month for me. After 21 weeks I've almost, almost completely resolved my left ankle pain. I'm so so close. The run training has been going well from a fitness standpoint. The data shows me on track to peak in about 4-5 weeks with my marathon in 4.5 weeks. So everything is on track as predicted from a few months ago. The cycling volume is up a touch this month, but the intensity is way down. We also purchased a new NordicTrack 2450 for my wife and shuffled around the workout room. Thus far, she has been really enjoying the iFit features and following along someone in Oregon and South Africa. Having the treadmill auto control the run/walk timing and pace as well as the elevation grade changes to match her video follow along has been an enjoyable experience for her. Looking forward to the peak of training in April with eyes on a healthy and fit marathon on May 1st.

Today will mark a major milestone in my career of training. I will pass 24,901 miles of cumulative training, putting me at one circumference around the Earth. I have 13072 miles running and 11819 miles indoor cycling.

 

[camaker]

March Training Summary
Running Miles: 201.71 (New PR!)
Running Time: 37:45:57
Average Pace: 11;19/mi
Average HR: 139/min

Extras:
Walking Miles: 74.36
Rolling 12mo Running Miles: 2,018.78 (New PR!)

March was a great running month for me and will go down as one of my best ever. Completion of my first 100k with a first ever age group award was a huge thrill, made better because it was my first in-person race since Dopey 2020. April will probably be a down month, with a Disney trip planned mid-month, but I think my legs are ready for a little break.

Beyond April, I’ve got a deferred in-person marathon coming up in mid-May, but nothing beyond that right now. It’s time to make some decisions on next steps for the fall and next spring so momentum isn’t lost.

 

[Waiting2goback]

I have found interesting to see who did or didn't sign up for Boston and their reasons. I was thinking about that when they announced the virtual options. I like, many here would probably never qualify on time. And although I have no problem with virtual races (ran a few last year), I cannot do Boston virtually. For me Boston is such an iconic race, I would feel like I was cheating, especially since I am local. But I also totally understand why people are signing up. I am also curious if BAA will continue to offer a virtual option. I am hoping it moves back to Patriots Day next year as its so weird to have the day off from work, but no race to follow.

Really, this was my biggest hurdle to decide to do it. However, I came up with two options. First, I may go up to western PA where my mother and sister are and run it on their nearly-empty paved trails - this would give me accountability and a crew. Second, I have a Garmin friend who is also doing it, so maybe we'll try to coordinate that - similarly I wonder if some of the folks here doing it will coordinate. And if anywhere near 70,000 people do sign up for the virtual, I wouldn't be surprised to see "virtual Boston" events around the country where groups run it together - I will keep my eyes open around here.

I struggled with the idea of signing up. I have never liked virtual races either. I did the virtual Disney 10K for marathon weekend. It is not the same. It felt good to earn the medal and it is the best I have been able to do in the last year with all the races cancelled. I only signed up for Boston because I am seeing that running is going to be ending for me soon. My body is telling me that. I have been struggling with it in my mind because I only discovered it 7 years ago and it made such a positive impact on my life. I just wanted to sign up and hope I could earn a unicorn. I don't see myself ever being able to qualify now. But, I told myself in my mid 30's, when I was at my lowest point in life, and my heaviest weight, that I would run Boston some day. I had xrays done on my hip (which has been hurting for a couple months now) and my back this week. Results came back with mild to moderate wear and tear to the disks in my back and my hip. No breaks, which is great.

I tell myself, if I can manage to train and run a virtual marathon in my current condition, I deserve the modified unicorn on my medal rack!

I thought about going to Disney that weekend and running it down there as marathons seem to hurt less at Disney. Then i saw flight and hotel prices.

Best case, I will be able to run the race and feel proud hanging my medal. Worst case, I made a donation to the BAA when they need the support most. Either way I am fine with the outcome.

 

[avondale]

Today will mark a major milestone in my career of training. I will pass 24,901 miles of cumulative training, putting me at one circumference around the Earth.

Love this!

 

[avondale]

Love this!

That was supposed to be a dancing banana! It is not dancing for me!

 

[avondale]

March 2021 Totals

• Running
  • 106.1 mi
  • average pace: 12:36 min/mi
  • total time: 22.27 h
  • Back over 100 miles per month since recovering from my Yeti in February. However, I'm doing a lot more trail running now, which slows me down, which decreases my mileage and increases my average pace, assuming the same amount of time spent running.
• Walking
  • 61.9 mi
  • This is only half of what it was in February. I think this is mostly because work has gotten really busy for me, so I've had to cut down on the short walks during the work day. Boo.
• Tennis
  • 8 hr
  • We have had limited play indoors (with a mask), but it is starting to get nice enough outside to be able to play outside again, so fortunately this amount is increasing

 

[Bree]

March Totals
Miles: 105.17
Time: 17:58:07
Average Pace: 10:15

My monthly mileage is short two long runs and a weekday run, but I still made my goal of 100+ miles. We were away at a horse show one weekend and the hotel fitness center was still under renovations. There was no way I was running outside at 4am in an unfamiliar place. Last week I had some health issues flare up, but I’m feeling a little better. I earned my Virtual Disney Princess Fairy Tale Challenge medals running around the Boardwalk area. I ran them at training paces, but I set a PR for my fastest half - 2:10:22!!!

 

[Rogue224]

March Totals
Miles: 67.5
Avg Pace: 10:51

This was not the month I was planning on. I was planning on more. But it doesn't do any good to dwell. On the upside, I got 14 total in this morning. Love allergies, as my nose was a faucet and wheezing the whole time, and I got to the half marathon point at 2:26:15. So I should still be able to get a POT at the half marathon I'm registered for at the end of this month.

 

[RunDopey]

March totals

Running:
Miles: 269.00
Pace: 10:00
Avg HR: 149

Walking:
Miles: 11.49

This was a good month for me. After a slightly greater than 2 hour PR at Rocky Raccoon 100mi, I had a 20 minute PR at the Woodlands marathon four weeks later. Even better, I now have a POT for Dopey 2022 I also got to run with my wife at two races later in the month. One was a 5k+10k+half trail races on Saturday, fllowed by a half on Sunday that my wife PRed. Nothing else on the calendar for the year so far, so I will be back to 60-70 mi per week.

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

Checking in with some not-so-great news: my wife had knee replacement surgery last Wednesday. Thursday night she fell and broke her leg, just above the ankle, on the surgery side. 3AM 911 call, emergency surgery, 12 hours at the hospital for me. She's still there, coming home today. I've got the house prepped as best I can. One of the many problems is that therapy for the knee and the broken leg are contraindicated. The knee needs movement and weight bearing; the broken leg needs rest and is non-weight bearing.

If anyone has tips on wheelchair transfers, home healthcare, care-giver mental health, etc, it would be greatly appreciated.

I will say this: Running prepares you, both mentally and physically, for tough stuff. I've had my 'marathon face' on for the last week. Relentless forward motion.

 

[FFigawi]

Oh no! That’s terrible news. I hope you’re able to get her, and you, the care & support you need.

 

[camaker]

Checking in with some not-so-great news: my wife had knee replacement surgery last Wednesday. Thursday night she fell and broke her leg, just above the ankle, on the surgery side. 3AM 911 call, emergency surgery, 12 hours at the hospital for me. She's still there, coming home today. I've got the house prepped as best I can. One of the many problems is that therapy for the knee and the broken leg are contraindicated. The knee needs movement and weight bearing; the broken leg needs rest and is non-weight bearing.

If anyone has tips on wheelchair transfers, home healthcare, care-giver mental health, etc, it would be greatly appreciated.

I will say this: Running prepares you, both mentally and physically, for tough stuff. I've had my 'marathon face' on for the last week. Relentless forward motion.

‘I’m so sorry to hear all of that! What a tough combination of circumstances! I’m far from a home health care professional, but my wife has had major reconstructive surgery on her foot and is actually currently dealing with a broken foot. Some of the learnings I can pass along from my caregiver stints are:

• Don’t try to force things into your normal routine. Go with the flow and be flexible. Shooting for things to be “normal” will frustrate both of you
• A portable freestanding toilet rail set is very helpful. Sets up easily for while you need it and is easy to take down after rehab is done without having to mount anything semi-permanently
• Take the easier option, when possible, for awhile. It’s going to be stressful and a lot of work. Takeout and easy to prepare or frozen meals will help cut down on workload and avoidable stress
• Get a small whiteboard and write down the time of her last pain med and the time she’s eligible for the next dose. It’s easy to forget when that last dose was with everything going on
• Don‘t take things personally. Nobody is at their best when hurting and immobile. You’re going to be the one there to be snapped at when pain and frustration get to be too much. It’s not you.
• Always remember “this too shall pass”. You’ll get through it. It’s a temporary situation.

Good luck!

 

[OldSlowGoofyGuy]

Don’t try to force things into your normal routine. Go with the flow and be flexible. Shooting for things to be “normal” will frustrate both of you
...
Always remember “this too shall pass”. You’ll get through it. It’s a temporary situation.

Thank you. These are great suggestions, with the last one being most important.

 

[LdyStormy76]

Checking in with some not-so-great news: my wife had knee replacement surgery last Wednesday. Thursday night she fell and broke her leg, just above the ankle, on the surgery side. 3AM 911 call, emergency surgery, 12 hours at the hospital for me. She's still there, coming home today. I've got the house prepped as best I can. One of the many problems is that therapy for the knee and the broken leg are contraindicated. The knee needs movement and weight bearing; the broken leg needs rest and is non-weight bearing.

If anyone has tips on wheelchair transfers, home healthcare, care-giver mental health, etc, it would be greatly appreciated.

I will say this: Running prepares you, both mentally and physically, for tough stuff. I've had my 'marathon face' on for the last week. Relentless forward motion.

As we learned with my mom when she broke her ankle the first time:
*A walker is vital for transitioning from wheelchair to chair, and back. Make sure the height is set correctly.
*If using crutches, correct height of them is important to not cause other injuries
*Be prepared to rearrange furniture multiple times as the two of you figure out the best flow, the most comfortable chair and the right location of the table next to the chair.
*Depending on the height of the toilet a raised/booster seat might be necessary to protect the leg.
* Having to be dependent on someone else for everything may bring out the worst. Know that she loves you no matter how grumpy she is.
*Once you find the type of stretchy pants she likes the best that fit over the cast go buy 7 pair so that you do not have to keep worrying about doing laundry every other day.
*Sleeping for her is going to be a royal PITA due to the inability to turn over.
*Take you time, at least 2x a day. Go for a run. Walk to the end of the driveway and back multiple times. Mow the yard. Weed a flower bed.

 

[Disney at Heart]

March Training Summary
Running Miles: 201.71 (New PR!)
Running Time: 37:45:57
Average Pace: 11;19/mi
Average HR: 139/min

Extras:
Walking Miles: 74.36
Rolling 12mo Running Miles: 2,018.78 (New PR!)

April will probably be a down month, with a Disney trip planned mid-month, but I think my legs are ready for a little break.

Star Wars weekend? If so we’ll keep an eye out for you. Planning to run Hourglass Lake.

Checking in with some not-so-great news: my wife had knee replacement surgery last Wednesday. Thursday night she fell and broke her leg, just above the ankle, on the surgery side. 3AM 911 call, emergency surgery, 12 hours at the hospital for me. She's still there, coming home today. I've got the house prepped as best I can. One of the many problems is that therapy for the knee and the broken leg are contraindicated. The knee needs movement and weight bearing; the broken leg needs rest and is non-weight bearing.

If anyone has tips on wheelchair transfers, home healthcare, care-giver mental health, etc, it would be greatly appreciated.

I will say this: Running prepares you, both mentally and physically, for tough stuff. I've had my 'marathon face' on for the last week. Relentless forward motion.

No tips, but prayers for her healing and for her caregiver, too.

 

[camaker]

Star Wars weekend? If so we’ll keep an eye out for you. Planning to run Hourglass Lake.

Yes! I’ll keep an eye out for you guys, as well. Would love to see you!